Shock for Racing Bulls driver Liam Lawson: qualifying disqualification in Mexico

A bitter pill for Liam Lawson to swallow: The Racing Bulls driver had impressed in qualifying in Mexico with the eighth-fastest lap, securing ninth on the grid. This was despite having already been handed a one-place grid penalty following an unnecessary collision with Max Verstappen in the second free practice session.

The New Zealander was pleased with the strong result: “A bit more would have been possible, but not enough to battle with the lads at the front. But it’s a good result for the team that we’re both in the front half of the midfield,” he explained, referring to his own result and the performance of his team-mate Arvid Lindblad, who will start the 19th Grand Prix of the season from eighth on the grid.

However, the joy was short-lived, as Lawson was later removed from the results. He will nevertheless be allowed to start the race from the back of the field. The reason for the disqualification is a breach of Articles C5.12.6 and C5.12.7 of the Formula 1 regulations. These stipulate the stages at which the engine’s electric power may be reduced.

Incorrect timing leads to disqualification

For safety reasons, teams are not allowed to simply cut the electric power from one moment to the next. This is particularly frustrating for the teams during qualifying, as they want to utilise the full battery power during their fast lap. A loophole was quickly found, but the FIA plugged it just as quickly by introducing an emergency mode.

Some particularly resourceful engineers then realised that the gradual reduction in electric power does not apply if the driver actively lifts off the throttle. However, for this to work, the drivers must do so at exactly the right moment. And apparently, Lawson failed to do so during his final Q2 attempt. His team pointed out to the stewards – Garry Connelly, Loïc Bacquelaine, Derek Warwick and Omar Chávez Jiménez that Lawson had not gained any performance advantage; nevertheless, the race stewards had no choice but to disqualify him, as if a car does not comply with the technical regulations at all times, it must be classified as illegal.

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Mexico City: Rennen Re-Live

FIA Formula One World Championship

01.11.2026 - 23:15